Vishal Bhardwaj has shared a candid story from his filmmaking career that every actor and director can relate to. The Lust Stories 3 director revealed that an actress once asked him a very direct question before shooting an intimate scene: “Sir, are we going to use tongue in this?” The filmmaker, known for films like Omkara and Haider, opened up about this awkward moment while discussing his segment in Netflix’s latest anthology, which arrived on September 18, 2026. His story highlights how much film sets have changed with the arrival of intimacy directors, and why his experience directing real-life couple Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth made things much easier.
The Question That Left Vishal Bhardwaj Stunned
During an exclusive interview with Variety India, Bhardwaj recalled the days before intimacy directors became a regular part of film productions. Actors had to handle delicate conversations themselves, often leading to uncomfortable situations. The director remembered actresses approaching him with a very specific question about how a kissing scene would be performed.
“I remember actresses coming to me and asking, ‘Sir, are we going to use tongue in this? Can you ask the male actor?’ I mean, it’s very odd. I did ask him her question. Can you imagine how awkward that would be?”
Bhardwaj explained that he then had to relay the question to the male actor, making the entire situation even more uncomfortable for everyone involved. The director described this as a clear example of why the old way of handling intimate scenes was far from ideal.
How Intimacy Directors Changed the Game
Bhardwaj spoke warmly about the difference intimacy directors have made on film sets. He called their presence “incredible” and said it “liberates” everyone involved. According to the filmmaker, having a dedicated professional to handle these sensitive moments takes away much of the awkwardness that used to come with filming intimate sequences.
“It liberates you. It makes things so comfortable to shoot. Otherwise, it was odd when we used to shoot the intimate scenes. These intimacy directors make your life so comfortable on set.”
The director explained that intimacy directors help create a clear and structured environment where boundaries and practical details can be discussed before cameras start rolling. This allows actors to focus on their performances instead of worrying about uncertain physical expectations. For a franchise like Lust Stories, which deals directly with desire, marriage, and vulnerability, this professional approach makes a significant difference in how these stories are told.
Why Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth Made Things Easier
For his segment in Lust Stories 3, Bhardwaj had a unique advantage: his lead actors, Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth, are married in real life. The couple tied the knot in September 2024 in a traditional South Indian ceremony at a historic temple in Wanaparthy, Telangana. Their existing comfort with each other naturally reduced the hesitation that might exist between two performers who have never shared an intimate scene before.
“They were very comfortable with each other, of course, you know, because they are husband and wife. So 50% of that awkwardness went away.”
Bhardwaj acknowledged that working with a real-life couple was a new experience for him as a filmmaker. He found it fascinating to watch them separate their personal relationship from their professional performances. “In terms of performance, they were behaving like they left their relationships at home. That was a lovely thing to explore,” he said.
The Body Double Incident That Aditi Rao Hydari Refused
Even with the couple’s natural comfort, the production still took normal precautions. Body doubles were arranged for both actors for certain shots, giving the performers the option to step back if they preferred. However, one particular moment became a memorable story from the shoot.
Bhardwaj recalled a sequence where the camera was focused on Aditi’s legs while Siddharth had to crawl. When Aditi saw the footage with the body double, she immediately objected. “When Aditi saw it, she said, ‘But my legs are not so fat,’” Bhardwaj remembered with a laugh. She then insisted on performing the shot herself. Siddharth was equally willing to step in, with Bhardwaj describing him as “very professional.”
Related:
The Story Behind Bhardwaj’s Lust Stories 3 Segment
Bhardwaj’s segment in Lust Stories 3 is set in late 1980s Hyderabad and follows Saira, an Urdu literature professor played by Aditi Rao Hydari, who uses writing to express her feelings for her husband, a homeopathic doctor played by Siddharth. The director revealed that the story was inspired by the French-American writer Anaïs Nin, whose foreword about writing erotica for money sparked the idea.
“The relationship is between partners, so honesty is essential. Interestingly, in this story, the man is more inhibited than the woman. She is upfront, asks for what she wants and gives him hints, but he either doesn’t catch them or tries to avoid them. That dynamic was a conscious choice.”
Lust Stories 3 arrived on Netflix on September 18, 2026, bringing together four directors: Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra, and Vishal Bhardwaj. The anthology features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Konkona Sen Sharma, Radhika Madan, Vijay Varma, Ali Fazal, Abhishek Banerjee, and Gurfateh Pirzada.
Also Read: Lust Stories 3 Review: Four Bedrooms, Four Desires, But Only One Story Really Seduces
For more entertainment news and in-depth coverage of the latest releases, keep reading VvipTimes.
Leave a Reply